STEM dreams fuelled by Pacific pride

The future of STEM in Aotearoa is being shaped by bright Pacific minds like Seini Latailakepa and Kijiana Tuatoko. Both 2025 Toloa Scholarship recipients, these driven young women balance cultural leadership with academic excellence as they pursue dreams in health science and radiology. Their journeys highlight the strength of identity, resilience and community in breaking stereotypes and redefining success.

In the bustling halls of two Lower Hutt schools, a quiet revolution is underway. Seini and Kijiana, two young Pacific women bound by a shared love for science and a deep connection to their heritage, are quietly rewriting the narrative of who belongs in STEM.

Seini, head girl at St Oran’s College, finds her inspiration close to home. Her father, the school’s Māori and Pacific dean and physics teacher has always led with passion and purpose.

“Seeing Dad teach physics and lead with passion really inspired me,” says Seini. “Some of my siblings also work in science, so it feels natural to follow this path.”

For Kijiana, a Year 12 student at Naenae College, of Samoan and Rotuman descent, the motivation comes from a deep desire to help others.

“I want to study radiology because I want to make a difference in people’s lives,” she says with conviction. In addition to her academic goals, she plays a strong leadership role at school, helping to create an environment where culture and learning thrive together.

Their influence extends well beyond the classroom. Both are preparing to perform at HuttFest, an annual celebration where schools across Lower Hutt showcase their Pasifika heritage through song and dance.

For Seini, who is of Samoan and Tongan descent, this year’s festival holds special meaning. Last year she and her sister led their school’s first-ever Poly group to HuttFest. The performance was such a success that the group has since doubled in size.

“It’s been really good for our girls,” Seini says with a smile. “We’re learning about our culture together, without judgement.”

These two young women aren’t just excelling in STEM, they’re redefining what leadership looks like for Pacific youth.

Facing doubt, leading with strength

Kijiana’s journey is one of grit and determination. She’s candid about the challenges she’s faced.

“I’ve never been the smartest kid in class. People expect me to just settle for achieved, not excellence.”

But rather than internalise those low expectations, she pushed back.

“People will underestimate your skills, but you don’t have to accept that.”

It’s a familiar experience for many Pacific students.

“We get judged and pushed down,” she says. “But confidence in yourself is key. No one should tell you what you can or can’t do.”

Her self-belief is rooted in her Pacific identity and the sense of belonging she found in her community.

“When I’m with other Pacific students, I feel like I can truly be myself. Even if you’re one percent Samoan, you’re still Samoan.”

Preparing for HuttFest adds another layer to her experience. Performing with her peers reminds her that academic ambition and cultural celebration can fuel each other.

Seini has faced her own challenges, particularly adjusting to a new school environment in Lower Hutt after moving from South Auckland.

“At first, I felt I had to act differently to fit in. But I realised being true to myself was what mattered most,” she reflects.

Now, as head girl and daughter of a passionate STEM educator and cultural leader, she leads with authenticity, excelling in chemistry and physics while championing Pacific culture and support networks within her school.

The power of identity in STEM

For Seini and Kijiana, cultural identity isn’t separate from their STEM success, it’s the foundation.

“It’s so important for other Pacific students to see me and feel comfortable taking up space here,” says Seini.

By leading her school’s growing Polygroup, she’s created a space where Pacific students can thrive both academically and culturally, whether in the chemistry lab or on the HuttFest stage.

Kijiana agrees. “Celebrating our culture creates a positive space for learning and growth,” she says.

For her, performing in traditional attire at HuttFest is more than just a performance, it’s an act of empowerment.

Together, they are not just participating in STEM, they are leading. They challenge stereotypes, break barriers and show that Pacific students can be innovators, scientists and changemakers.

Inspiring the next generation

Seini and Kijiana’s stories are powerful reminders of what’s possible when education is paired with cultural pride and community support.

Their success is supported by the Ministry for Pacific People’s 2025 Toloa Scholarship, which offers mentorship, resources and encouragement to Pacific students in STEM.

Receiving the scholarship, both say, was a huge confidence boost and strengthened their belief in their dreams. Their advice to others is simple but powerful: “Believe in yourself and just go for it!”

Their achievements stand as proof that Pacific youth can and will excel in STEM, creating a new narrative, one rooted in cultural strength, academic excellence and community leadership.

“We’re here to show that Pacific students belong in STEM and can lead the way,” says Seini.

Kijiana echoes the sentiment. “This is just the beginning, I want to inspire others to dream big and reach their goals.”

Together, they are lighting the path where Pacific voices and talents shape the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics on stage, in classrooms and beyond.